After Butoln went away to the army, Melania was discovered by a photographer. She dropped out of college to become a model and traveled to New York, where she met Donald Trump at a party in 1998.

They returned to Slovenia, where Trump asked Melania’s father for permission to marry her as they dined at a luxury lakeside hotel in her hometown. A photo of the couple is proudly displayed in a glass case in the hotel.

Melania – born Melania Knauss in 1970 -- lived in a 4th floor, 3-bedroom apartment in the town with her parents and sister. Her neighbors and former classmates speak fondly of their famous former resident, recalling her talents for art and fashion.